Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Treatment in Indore

What is hand, foot, and mouth disease?

HFMD is a viral common infection that takes hold most frequently in infants and young children, though it affects older children and adults.

It is usually caused by enteroviruses and most often by Coxsackievirus A16 or Enterovirus 71.

HFMD easily spreads through:

Respiratory droplets: coughing, sneezing

Saliva

Fluid from blisters

Stool

Contaminated surfaces and objects

Usually, HFMD is mild and can last for 7–10 days.

Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Symptoms typically begin 3-6 days after exposure (incubation period).

1. Fever

The first sign is usually

Mild to moderate fever

2. Sore Throat & Decreased Appetite

A child may refuse to eat because swallowing is painful.

3. Mouth Sores

Painful red spots, which can develop into ulcers

Found on tongue, gums, inside cheeks

Can make drinking difficult → risk of dehydration

4. Skin Rash

Rash on the hands, feet, buttocks, legs, or arms

Small red spots that could develop into blisters

Usually not itching, but can be tender

5. General Symptoms

Irritability (in infants)

Fatigue

Drooling (due to painful mouth sores)

When Symptoms May Be Severe

Certain enteroviruses, including EV71, may rarely cause the following:

Extreme tiredness

Dizziness

Neurological complications (extremely rare)

Seek medical care if symptoms become severe or the child seems very unwell.

Prevention of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

There is no vaccine, but the disease can be prevented, or its spread reduced, through good hygiene and avoidance measures.

1. Frequent Handwashing

The MOST important prevention step.

Wash your hands with soap and water:

After diaper changes

After visiting the bathroom

After wiping runny noses

Before eating or preparing food

After playing with shared toys

2. Avoid Close Contact During Outbreaks

Keep children home from school/daycare until the fever is gone and the mouth sores/blisters are improving.

Avoid:

Kissing

Hugging

Sharing utensils, cups, or towels

3. Disinfect Surfaces

Regularly clean and disinfect:

Toys

Doorknobs

Table surfaces

Changing tables

Viruses can survive on surfaces for days.

4. Practice Respiratory Hygiene

Teach children to

Cover coughs and sneezes

Use tissues and dispose of them properly

Wash hands afterwards

5. Avoid sharing personal items.

Do not share:

Cups

Eating utensils

Washcloths

Toothbrushes

6. Watch for Symptoms & Take Action Early

Isolation in the early stages reduces the spread:

Keep sick children home

Watch for signs of fever or mouth sores

Encourage fluid intake

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek medical care immediately if:

A child is unable to drink risk of dehydration

High fever that lasts more than 3 days

The child is unusually sleepy or difficult to awaken

Pain is severe

Rash appears infected (pus, redness, swelling)

Symptoms worsen instead of improving.

Summary

HFMD is a viral illness that commonly causes fever, mouth ulcers, and rash on the hands and feet.

It is highly contagious, especially amongst young children. Prevention is based on handwashing, avoidance of close contact, disinfection of surfaces, and not sharing personal items. Most of these are mild and resolve in 1 week.